Turkey is preparing to strengthen its exploration rights in the Mediterranean region. Reports show that Libya’s eastern-based government is likely to approve a 2019 maritime pact. This allows Turkey to explore for oil and gas in Libyan waters. The oil & gas exploration in Mediterranean Sea agreement had been signed by the Tripoli-based government in Western Libya, which has strong ties with Ankara.
However, the eastern side in Benghazi seems to have softened its opposition to Turkey. The ratification of the pact is seen as a major milestone for Turkey’s ongoing diplomatic efforts to unify Libya’s two rival governments.
But the prospect of implementing the Turkey-Libya pact is likely to worsen ongoing maritime disputes in the Eastern Mediterranean. The agreement on oil & gas exploration in Mediterranean Sea opens up the expansive Libyan EEZ for exploration by Turkish vessels. This is an area that overlaps with maritime claims of Greece and Cyprus. Both countries accuse Turkey of wanting to control the disputed waters, which is known for significant oil and gas reserves.
Earlier, the Turkish navy vessel TCG Kinaliada made a port visit in Tripoli. The vessel is also expected in Benghazi, an indication of the warming relations between Turkey and eastern Libya. Also, the de facto leader of eastern Libya, Field Marshal Khalifa Haftar, has been at odds with the Tripoli government over control of Libya’s oil revenue. The possibility of the two sides reaching a consensus on the exploration rights offers a glimmer of hope to Libya’s stability.
Among the most contested are the hydrocarbon blocks near the Greek island of Crete. In June, the Tripoli-based Libyan government objected to Greece’s tender call for hydrocarbon exploration south of Crete. The Libyan government argued that some of the areas in the region constitute its maritime zone.
Moreover, it requires to be seen how the energy politics in the Eastern Mediterranean will arise, especially at a time when Turkey appears to be gaining influence in the region. The Mediterranean Sea presents significant potential in achieving the ambition as Turkey pushes to become a regional energy hub. Additionally, Turkey bought two drillships that will boost its exploration capacity in the Mediterranean region.
